It appears jihadists who have seized power across Iraq and Syria, imposing Shariah law and cutting off the heads and hands of transgressors, may be more sensitive than people have given them credit for.

Faced with allegations their beloved and pious “Caliph” was wearing an expensive Rolex or Omega watch, they have responded by claiming it was actually a “prayer watch”

A video of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, or Caliph Ibrahim as the head of the Islamic State of Iraq & Al-Sham (ISIS) now styles himself, giving a Friday sermon at a mosque in the Iraqi city of Mosul was the first opportunity to see the man who has masterminded the rise of a Syrian rebel faction into a power feared around the world.

He dressed in the style of a caliph of one of the early Islamic empires, but it was his heavy, chrome-plated wristwatch with a black face that attracted most attention and led to speculation it was a Rolex Daytona — costing about $13,000 and favoured by professional racing drivers, according to the company — or an Omega Speedmaster — worth about $8,000 and which earned its place in history in 1969 when it became the first watch to be worn on the Moon.

The fuss prompted pro-Islamic State social media accounts to publish pictures of the watch they say he was actually wearing: the Al-Fajr WA-10S Deluxe, which is targeted at pious Muslims and retails for a more modest $475, or cheaper at online discount stores.

As well as giving the regular time and date, it is also pre-programmed with the correct prayer times for all the world’s major cities. More — including Mosul, perhaps — can be added by the user.

The watch also contains a compass, to indicate Kiblah, or the direction of prayer. It is described as “Swiss made.”